The 30 Best East-West Set Engagement Rings of 2023

The classics are undeniable as far as engagement rings go. Sometimes, however, a subtle shift in perspective will modernize a timeless look, bringing nuance and directional appeal to an otherwise traditional ring. That look du jour is east-west set engagement rings.

What Is an East-West Set Engagement Ring?

An east-west engagement ring is a type of setting where the stone is oriented horizontally on the band.

Classic stone shapes like ovals and pears as well as emerald, marquise, and cushion cuts are being given the horizontal treatment for a decidedly fresh aesthetic. Whether in the form of diamonds or gemstones, east-west set engagement rings are unique and rather unexpected but not so alternative that those who covet tradition can’t appreciate the trend.

Solitaire stones are breathtaking in a side-to-side setting—the most modern of brides will appreciate a sleek metal band or one with delicate pavé. If you prefer a little added sparkle, go for a halo or side stones to up the ante. Thicker bands and signet styles resonate well for a contemporary bride who doesn’t necessarily want a ring that’s overly precious.

Despite gaining popularity now, east-west set rings have been around for quite some time, and many jewelry brands carry rings with this setting. Unique engagement ring brands, such as Anna Sheffield and Bario Neal, carry a variety of east-west rings. On the other hand, you might have a harder time finding this setting at more classic brands, such as Tiffany & Co., which currently only carries this style for men's engagement rings.

If you think an east-west engagement ring is right for you, we’ve pulled together 30 styles from dainty and delicate to dramatic and ornate. You’ll love this fresh perspective.

Diamond Nexus East-West Classic Trellis Pear Engagement Ring

East-West Classic Trellis Pear Cut Engagement Ring — Diamond Nexus

This pear-shaped solitaire ring held in a four-prong setting radiates simple elegance.

Price at time of publish: $2,060

Lori McLean Vintage Pear Cut Solitaire

Lori McLean Fine Jewelry Vintage Pear Cut Solitaire — Lori McLean

Looking for an alternative twist on a traditional ring? Try mixing metals with this bezel-set diamond in 14k white and rose gold.

Bario Neal Nikko Pear White Sapphire Ring

This pear-shaped white sapphire comes from Sri Lanka and is set on a 14k yellow gold band with a polish finish.

Jennie Kwon Diamond YS Ring

Milgrain detailing surrounds this emerald-cut diamond flanked by smaller diamonds. The stones are set on a 14k yellow gold band.

Price at time of publish: $2,195

Tacori Simply Tacori Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring

For a simple east-west design, consider this diamond center stone with a unique diamond-tipped frame, set in 14k rose gold.

Après Jewelry The Elodie Ring

You are sure to sparkle with this marquise-shaped stone in a halo setting. It is complete with a double-pavé band.

Nora Kogan Calliope Ring

For a sleek look, consider this horizontally set emerald-cut diamond engagement ring.

Price at time of publish: $5,200

Cartier Etincelle De Cartier Ring

Simple and dainty, this east-west ring features a diamond center stone on a pavè band, set in 18k rose gold.

Anita Ko Sideways Pear Diamond Pavé Ring

We love this pear-shaped diamond pavé ring in 18k yellow gold.

Price at time of publish: $3,475

Adel Chefridi Crown Set Ring

This east-west ring is the perfect blend of modern and vintage with a diamond center stone and diamond accents. The stones are set in satin-finished on an 18k yellow gold and platinum band.

Gillian Conroy Oval Solitaire White Diamond Ring

Oval diamonds are a classic look for engagement rings, but the east-west design on this ring adds an unexpected twist.

Price at time of publish: $26,500

Single Stone Leah Ring

Handcrafted in Los Angeles, this east-west ring holds an emerald cut diamond on an 18K yellow gold mounting.

Price at time of publish: $8,900

KatKim Emerald Sunset Pavé Ring

KatKim's website describes this ring as "a contemporary take on a classic solitaire." While it may give off the illusion of two rings, it is really a split band that comes together in the back of the ring.

Price at time of publish: $5,200

David Yurman DY Delaunay Engagement Ring

The diamond center stone of this ring is flanked by baguette-cut diamond side stones and is bezel set in brushed 18k yellow gold. It was actually modeled after the engagement ring that David Yurman designed for his wife.

Brilliant Earth Frosted Semi-Bezel Ring

This sand-blasted platinum band gives a masculine touch to an elegant ring.

Eli Halili Domed Moonstone Ring

Go against the grain with this oval 8.72-carat moonstone set in 22k yellow gold.

Price at time of publish: $8,000

Lizzie Mandler East-West Ring

A satin finish is a unique way to set your band apart from others. This one holds an emerald-cut diamond in a four-prong setting.

Kwiat Ashoka Diamond Engagement Ring

For a splash of color, consider this Ashoka-cut diamond center stone on a sapphire band, set in platinum.

Martin Katz Moval Diamond Ring

This east-west set moval diamond is accented with pavé diamonds and is set in 18k white gold.

Nikos Koulis Oui Collection White Diamond and Black Enamel Ring

Truly a modern style, this diamond center stone is framed by black enamel halo and is set in white gold. The contrast of light and dark makes for a one-of-a-kind design.

The Ultimate Guide to Non-Traditional Engagement Rings

TAP by Todd Pownell Ring

The hammered band on this ring gives off an antique and avant-garde feel.

Blanca Monrós Gómez Victoria Solitaire Ring

Flanked between a trio of smaller diamonds on each side, this white diamond shines. The diamonds are held on an 18k rose or yellow gold pavé band.

Price at time of publish: $9,850

Lizzie Mandler East-West Ring

Wide bands are becoming more popular because of their durability, and this one features a horizontally set marquise diamond center stone.

Martin Katz Danielle Diamond Ring

All eyes will be on this emerald-cut diamond-accented ring with pavé diamonds and set in 18k white gold.

Lizzie Mandler East-West Ring

Art-deco lovers will fall for this diamond center stone with diamond side stones and set on a knife-edge 18k yellow gold ring.

Love Audrey Rose Starry East-West Morganite Sapphire Ring

Colored gemstones are becoming a more common choice for brides who want to steer away from tradition. This east-west ring features a morganite emerald-cut center stone flanked by sapphires.

Price at time of publish: $495

Anna Sheffield Solid Gold Bea Five-Stone Ring

No center stone here! Instead, this engagement ring is donned with a sold gold center and flanked by four diamonds.

Price at time of publish: $2,500

Melissa Tyson Designs Kristin Ring

This east-west ring features a marquise-cut champagne diamond on a hammered 14k recycled yellow gold band.

Price at time of publish: $2,590

1st Dibs East-West Diamond Engagement Ring

This modern yet vintage ring is perfect for the bride looking to mix things up. The emerald-cut center diamond is flanked by alternating white diamonds and sapphires.

Price at time of publish: $6,265

VRAI The Hover

A solitaire marquise-cut diamond sits in a simple four-prong east-west setting. The 14k rose gold band adds an element of romance to this timeless ring.

Price at time of publish: $1,000+

What to Look for When Choosing an East-West Set Engagement Ring

Durability

When searching for your east-west engagement ring, consider that the horizontal setting is durable enough to hold the center stone of your choice. While prongs are a popular choice for this style of setting, bezel-set and double-pronged stones may be sturdier options.

Stone Cut

The cut of your stone is also important to consider when choosing your east-west setting since the two go hand in hand. You can choose just about any stone cut for your east-west ring, but the most popular options for this style include emerald, pear, and oval.

Style

East-west set engagement rings don’t exclusively appeal to a super-modern aesthetic, so don't worry if that's not your style. Raw diamonds and vintage-style rings are available to charm those who want a bit more character. For the bride-to-be interested in dimension, mixed-metal variations or a style with gemstones will do the trick.

FAQs

Will the east-west setting remain a timeless option? The east-west setting is becoming a trendy option for brides, but this setting has been around for a long time. We think that this style will stand the test of time, but if you are worried that your ring will go out of style, you can tweak the design to a more traditional setting down the line with the help of a jeweler. This process generally costs around $125.
Does any stone work with an east-west setting? Yes, the east-west setting can hold any stone of your choosing. Whether you want to stick to a traditional diamond or make a statement with a colored gemstone, this setting works for all of it.
Where can I shop for an east-west set engagement ring? Since this style is becoming increasingly more popular, most jewelers will likely have several east-west rings to choose from. If you are looking to buy your engagement ring online but are not sure where to start, make sure to check out this guide.